What Happens When Motorcycle Riders Are Hit by a Car
Those who ride motorcycles are often passionate about them. It is not just a way to travel but a way of life. Whether those who ride do so because they enjoy hitting the open road to clear their head or to bond with other like-minded people, motorcycle riding is common – especially in the beautiful scenery of northern California.
Millions of people across the United States ride motorcycles daily for functional and recreational purposes. Sadly, they may be hit by a car at any moment. Since motorcycles are not enclosed vehicles, the potential for serious injury is far greater than if the driver were in a car. But what happens when motorcycle riders are hit by a car?
Motorcycle accidents fall under personal injury law, and a motorcycle accident attorney is essential for building the best case possible. Trial lawyers who focus their practices on this area of the law know precisely what kind of information and documentation is needed to secure the maximum possible compensation for their injured clients.
How Severe Are Motorcycle Accidents?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, more than 5,000 motorcycle fatalities happen yearly. The data also shows that over 80,000 people are injured on motorcycles during a 12-month period and that those riding motorcycles are two times more likely to die from a motorcycle accident than those driving a car.
Why are those riding motorcycles at a higher risk of injury and fatality than those in a car or truck? There are a variety of reasons. Motorcycles may be hard to spot, so they can be hit more easily by a car or truck that cannot see them. Also, motorcycle riders’ bodies are not protected by the vehicle they are riding. Their arms, legs, and faces are exposed, significantly increasing the potential for serious physical harm.
What Kind of Injuries Can Someone Hit By A Car On A Motorcycle Suffer?
Anyone hit by a car on a motorcycle runs the risk of being injured in various ways. Some common motorcycle accident injuries include the following:
- Being paralyzed
- Traumatic brain injury
- Broken or fractured bones
- Damage to the organs
- Internal bleeding
- Deep cuts and bruises
- Road rash
- Severe burns
- Amputation of limbs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
A motorcycle accident victim needs immediate medical treatment because many of the injuries listed above can be fatal and/or lead to additional long-term issues, especially if they are ignored.
Not only can road rash irritate the skin, but it can also lead to infections and nerve damage. While many may assume that it is easy to recover from broken or fractured bones, complications can occur. If not treated promptly, disability, nerve damage, and disfigurement are possible.
What Should I Do If My Motorcycle Was Hit By A Car?
If motorcycle riders are hit by a car, the victims of the accident must take several steps to ensure that their injuries are being tended to and their needs are met. It is not enough to think about your health. You also have to think ahead so those responsible for causing your injuries are held accountable for their reckless actions.
The first step that needs to be taken is to call the police. The victim, or someone at the crime scene, must call 911 so the authorities can observe the situation, document what happened, and speak to everyone involved. Most importantly, the injured rider needs to be brought to the hospital so a battery of tests can be run to identify and treat any injuries.
Not only should the motorcycle accident victim collect the contact information of any witnesses at the crime scene if they are physically able, but they should also take photos and videos of the vehicle damage and the physical injuries. Moreover, the police report, medical records, receipts, and anything else associated with the accident or the costs related to the accident, should be collected. Working with a motorcycle accident injury attorney can often be the best way to ensure no stone is left unturned.
How Can Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help Me?
Being involved in a motorcycle accident is difficult enough. The physical and mental trauma of being in a wreck like this is life-altering. The last thing a victim needs is to worry about anything other than healing and returning to the life they used to know. At the same time, compensation and justice are essential. A motorcycle accident attorney can help you get both by guiding you through the ever-changing legal system to build the best case possible.
Contact the Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Curtis Legal Group to Schedule a Free Consultation
The motorcycle accident attorneys at Curtis Legal Group know how to tackle the complexities of biker crash cases. We will fight for you when you are up against a challenging situation and need a strong team to lean on. Contact us today to begin your case evaluation and receive a free consultation.